The balloons were quickly burst, and City pressed forward in search of the equaliser.

Mpenza headed over from eight yards and Elano had two good chances; first rattling the post with his right-footed effort before seeing his free-kick from 25 yards clawed away brilliantly by Paddy Kenny .

Despite City's dominance another well-worked break brought the Blades their second goal.

Geary broke for the right-hand corner, and turned in a cross which first found Shelton before Jon Stead slotted it beyond Joe Hart.

The match, though tipped in favour of United, settled into an exciting see-saw of attack and counter-attack.